Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point

Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail: Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point is a 3.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Poipu, Hawaii that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and surfing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Relatively easy hike along a cliff side ocean walk. The elevation gives a good perspective and enhanced opportunity to sight whales. Bring binoculars to help whale sight. Some trick footing for older hikers but relatively flat for most of the trail. Great isolated beach at end and some interesting historic caves. There is a back road you can run down to double back to your starting point if you want to come back and pick up some of your group from the beach.

Beautiful coastline trail, you do hit a golf course for about a quarter mile but runs right back into the greenery trail. Make sure to go into the Makauwahi cave towards the end. Stunning panoramic views throughout the trail.

Spectacular views of the coastline, a beautiful hike. Took the whole family, including my 18, 16, 13 & (whiny) 9 yr old. Take water as there's lots of exposure to sun and wind, even in December. Park in beach access lot next to Grand Hyatt & make your way toward the ocean. There are several sandy paths that join up at the ridge above the ocean.

We pushed past the end of the trail about a mile and and half almost to Kawelikoa point. Some great views of not only the cliffs and ocean but the mountain range to the north. lots of Dolphins off the coast and the water color is incredible. Disappointed to see huge amounts of garbage / plastic in the far bay. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Wear proper footwear as a lot of the terrain is lava and is sharp. A very easy and pleasurable hike.

I was irritated at first because the first mile is sand and has no marking... maybe I just didn’t see them. Felt like I was going no where. A make you own trail of sorts. Continue path past many different terrains. It was beautiful and worth it. Turtle cave, beach and just breathtaking views of the cliffs.

Quite an easy, flat walk - a great one to bring your dog on (or take an ASPCA dog on for a field trip). Beautiful ocean views and some nice spots near the sandy beaches where you can jump off the rocks.

Ryan B.

Fun hike with beautiful view of some pretty varied terrain. Starts in a beach. Go up cliff top for spectacular sunrise views. Nice golf course view for a bit before heading over to the cave. Made it to the cave but cave is locked up mon/tues.

Starting near the Hyatt hotel and ending near the Makauwahi cave this trail is beautiful. It has some solid climbing to do that I would rate moderate. If you make it to the cave on a weekday morning there might be a tour guide giving little tours. And just past the cave is a turtle farm where you can go and look at Turtles and sheep. Great trail with incredible views! Pack plenty of water and some snacks!

Great hike through a variety of rugged coastal terrain. It was easy to get lost off the trail during the first part through the sandy hill and dessert-like dry brush, but I used this AllTrails App to get back on track. The rest of the trail is well marked. You pass through lava rock formations, a sacred Hawaiian site, the edge of the Poipu golf course, a horse ranch, and a sinkhole and cave. The cave had its own trail markers and brochure about its history and restoration. This cave trail had a nice bonus loop and a shaded bench with an incredible view where I decided to take a snack break and try to see whales. Alas, what I thought might be whales spouting or breaching was just whitecaps on the rough sea. It's too early for migration season, but bring binoculars if you are here in winter.

The trail was dry despite the downpour earlier on the southeast side by Lihue. Wear sturdy shoes. They will be covered in red dirt and full of sand. Bring lots of water. It got very hot on my return facing the sun in the afternoon. I took many photos of the beautiful views and some of the warning signs and uploaded them to recorded track.

The GPS recording mysteriously stopped a few times. Sacred Hawaiian intervention? Satellite weakness zones? Who knows, but I had to resume the trail recording a few times. I estimate it was about 5 miles round trip from the parking lot, ending at the cave and walking the cave loop before I headed back. It took me about 3 hours.